The Education Crisis in Niger: A Struggle for Stability and Hope, and Teach For Niger’s Response.

Written by Nouredine Abdoulaye, Chief Executive, Teach for Niger.

In the wake of Niger’s political upheaval, characterized by the coup d’état of July 26, 2023, the country’s education system has fallen into a state of emergency. With the suspension of financial aid from key international development partners such as the Agence Française de Développement (AFD), Education Cannot Wait, LuxDev, and USAID, the educational infrastructure has been severely affected. These financial withdrawals have left a big gap in the operations of education-focused organizations, compounding the challenges in a system already struggling with limited resources and growing instability.

Compounding this crisis, the security situation has forced the closure of 941 schools, leaving over 74,000 children without access to education, almost half of them being girls. The ongoing threats of terrorism, terrorism-related violence, and instability have further exposed these children to grave dangers such as recruitment by armed groups, early marriage, and child labor. These risks are further compounded by the presence of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in conflict zones, making it incredibly difficult for both children and teachers to feel safe in the educational environment.

A Struggling Education System Amidst Displacement

The education system is further under strain due to the displacement crisis. According to UNHCR data, as of February 2024, Niger hosts over 335,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) as well as refugees fleeing from neighboring countries like Nigeria, Mali, and Burkina Faso. This influx of displaced families has added immense pressure to an already under-resourced education infrastructure, especially in the most vulnerable regions.

The Teacher Crisis: A Threat to Education Delivery

Another critical challenge facing Niger’s education system is the shortage of teachers. More than 80% of teachers in public schools are on temporary contracts, meaning they are not fully integrated into the civil service. Due to the economic challenges, many of these teachers have gone without pay for months, pushing many to resign. This has left many schools, particularly in rural and conflict-affected areas, without any qualified teachers to provide essential education to children who are already facing severe hardships.

Teach For Niger’s Response to the Crisis

Despite these immense challenges, Teach For Niger has stepped up to ensure that the education of Niger’s children doesn’t fall by the wayside. In response to the urgent need, Teach For Niger has focused on 10 schools in the Zinder region, which were struggling with severe teacher shortages, with some schools having no more than two or three teachers available. The organization has deployed 3 fellows per school to provide critical teaching support, even with limited human and material resources.

Over the course of just four months, the fellows have demonstrated remarkable dedication and innovation, implementing initiatives that have had a meaningful impact on students, even in the face of limited resources:

Promoting Bilingual Education & Student Engagement – CES Dogo (Zinder)

Fellow: Basile Christiane (Teacher of English)

In a school struggling with infrastructure challenges (including makeshift classrooms and a lack of desks), Basile Christiane took it upon herself to establish bilingual learning clubs. With the help of her colleague, Balima, Christiane created spaces for dynamic learning through an English Club and a French Club.

These clubs became not only places to practice language skills but also safe spaces for students to grow their self-confidence, build their language abilities, and engage in role-playing and debates.

Impact:These clubs have already improved students' linguistic skills, encouraged more active participation in the classroom, and fostered a supportive environment for students to share their ideas and express themselves.

Community Mobilization & School Environment Improvement – MIRRIAH District

Fellow: Abdallah

Abdallah, understanding the power of the environment on student motivation, took on the task of transforming the school space. He initiated a “School Cleanliness Committee” composed of students and teachers to ensure that the school environment was clean and welcoming. He also organized awareness days to promote hygiene and instill a sense of respect for the school environment.

Impact:These initiatives not only improved the physical space of the school but also helped create a stronger sense of community pride and motivated students to engage in their learning.

Boosting Girls’ School Enrollment – “One Family, One Visit” Campaign

Fellow: Abdallah

Recognizing the importance of increasing girls' enrollment, Abdallah launched a grassroots campaign aimed at raising awareness within local communities about the importance of girls’ education. Through daily household visits, he spoke with families, shared success stories of educated women, and collaborated with community leaders to reinforce the message of gender equality in education.

Impact:This campaign has already started to shift the attitudes of the community, resulting in a gradual increase in girls’ school enrollment.

Moving Forward: The Role of Teach For Niger

As the education crisis in Niger deepens, with political instability, violence, and economic collapse affecting an entire generation of children, Teach For Niger continues to stand firm in its mission. The organization’s fellows, through their creativity, resilience, and commitment, are providing critical support where it is needed most. They offer a beacon of hope in an otherwise dire situation, helping to keep the dream of education alive for thousands of children.

However, Teach For Niger’s work cannot be sustained alone. The organization continues to call on international partners and development agencies to reconsider their support mechanisms, and to provide the resources necessary to scale up impactful initiatives that can help mitigate the crisis.

The future of Niger’s children hangs in the balance, and now, more than ever, the global community must act to support the education of this vulnerable generation. The efforts of Teach For Niger, while commendable, represent just the beginning of the work that needs to be done. The path ahead will require collective action, solidarity, and a shared commitment to ensuring that every child in Niger has the opportunity to learn and thrive, regardless of the circumstances they face.

Thousands of children, especially girls, are at risk of losing their future to conflict, displacement, and neglect. But change is still possible. You don’t have to be in Niger to make a difference. Whether you’re an educator, a policymaker, a donor, or simply someone who believes in the power of education, your voice and your support matter. Stand with Niger. Share this story. Invest in hope. Join Teach For Niger in giving every child the chance to learn, grow, and lead. 

If you are moved to support the Teach for Niger Initiative and help make a tangible difference in these children's lives, please reach out to us directly via email at globalschools@unsdsn.org. Your contribution, no matter the size, can help secure a brighter future.

Access Teach for Niger 2024-2025 impact report here.